Cubicure develops UL94 V0-classified, halogen-free photopolymer
Cubicure, a German additive manufacturing company focused on high-performance polymers, is set to launch a new flame-retardant material at Formnext later this month.
The material, Evolution FR, is believed to be the first stereolithography material of its kind due to its compliance with plastics flammability standard UL94 V0 and is said to be ideal for applications in the mobility and electronics markets.
To date, the standard has only been achieved by additive processes such as material extrusion and powder bed fusion. The UL94 protocol tests the flammability of polymers, including the burning time and dripping of burning parts or formation of burning drops. The V0-classification calls for self-extinguishing of a flame within 10 seconds from a vertically clamped sample and an afterglow of maximum 30 seconds. The V0-classification, using an ignition source of 50 W, counts as one of the highest classifications for flame-retardant polymers.
The material is being used with Cubicure’s Hot Lithography platform, which employs a specially developed and patented heating and coating mechanism to process high viscosity resins at operating temperatures up to 120°C. The new halogen-free Evolution FR photopolymer combined with the 10 micron precision of Hot Lithography aims to open up new applications for polymers with injection mould-like quality in areas such as rail and electronics for components such as plugs and connectors, particularly in the case of spare parts.
Visitors to Formnext on 19-22 November can find out more on Cubicure's booth 11.1, D48. Register for your showfloor ticket here and visit the TCT @ Formnext Conference website to register for your conference pass.
